National Entertainment News

James Jordan drops out of Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan will not be returning to the hit show - but his wife Ola has signed up for another season, BBC bosses have confirmed.

James's departure comes after reports he had a series of clashes with show judge and tour director Craig Revel Horwood.

James, 36, was offered a slimmed down role which would have seen him dropped as a celebrity partner, but still appear in show specials such as the Children in Need edition.

But James, who has starred on the programme for eight years, turned down the offer,

His Polish-born wife Ola, 31, has signed up to appear on the show despite speculation she might quit in loyalty to her husband.

A show spokeswoman said: "James Jordan was offered a role still on the show.

"It wasn't to be partnered with a celebrity, but it was to be involved in specials such as Children in Need, that sort of thing. But he declined that. He was offered a reduced role on the show."

Dancer Artem Chigvintsev, 31, who was partnered with soap star Natalie Gumede last year, will also not be returning after deciding to stay in the state-side after appearing in the US version of the show.

Anya Garnis, 32, will also not return to dance with a celebrity, but will remain part of the choreography team.

Two new faces, Tristan MacManus and Joanne Clifton, will step into their dancing shoes.

Joanne, whose brother Kevin already dances on the show, is a world ballroom showdance champion.

Irish-born Tristan MacManus joins Strictly after three years as a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars in America, where he partnered former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson.

Strictly favourite Australian Dance Champion Natalie Lowe will return to the dance floor after withdrawing from last year's series due to injury.

Louise Rainbow, Strictly executive producer, said: "We're delighted that Joanne and Tristan will be joining our fantastic cast of professional dancers this year and look forward to them becoming part of the Strictly family."

"A huge thank you goes out to both Artem and James for being hard-working, dedicated dancers on the show, and we wish them all the very best in their future endeavours."